Saturday, August 4, 2018

Patrick Stewart to Topline New 'Star Trek' Series for CBS All Access

Patrick Stewart is officially set to reprise his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in a new Star Trek series that will air on CBS All Access. Stewart made the announcement himself during a surprise appearance at the Las Vegas Star Trek Convention.

The new series - which is not a Star Trek: The Next Generation reboot - will tell the story of the next chapter of Picard's life.

Alex Kurtzman is shepherding the new series as a part of his new overall deal with CBS Television Studios that sees him managing development of all Star Trek content. He will executive produce with Stewart, James Duff, Akiva Goldsman, Michael Chabon, Kirsten Beyer, Heather Kadin, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth. CBS Television Studios, Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment produce.

"With overwhelming joy, it's a privilege to welcome Sir Patrick Stewart back to the Star Trek fold," said Kurtzman. "For over 20 years, fans have hoped for the return of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and that day is finally here. We can't wait to forge new ground, surprise people and honor generations both new and old."

"I will always be very proud to have been a part of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but when we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course," said Stewart. "It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I though that life was over. During these past years, it has been humbling to hear many stories about how The Next Generation brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership. I feel I'm ready to return to him for the same reason - to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times. I look forward to working with our brilliant creative team as we endeavor to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more."